Hidden Valley Ranch Crunchy Pea Salad
A crunchy, creamy pea salad featuring fresh vegetables, cashews, and a flavorful ranch dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except bacon and chill.
- Garnish with bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a nut-free salad, you can replace cashews with sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture. Chill the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crunchy pea salad as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, as it pairs beautifully with dishes like Hanky Pank Sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also complements lighter fare like Chef'S Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes beautifully, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep well, but the crunchiness of the peas and cashews may diminish over time. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a little extra Ranch dressing to revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Crunchy Pea Salad contains roughly 211 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, using frozen peas is perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the salad. Frozen peas are convenient and will still provide a nice texture and flavor in the dish.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt, and use a vegan Ranch dressing. You can also replace the cashews with roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken. Alternatively, chickpeas or even diced tofu can be great additions for a vegetarian option. This makes the salad more filling and perfect for a light lunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).